2023 Ford F-150 vs F-250, F-350

Ford keeps improving its pickups. This year the Super Duty trucks have impressed critics with their redesign and new capability. Meanwhile, F150s keep improving in many different ways, including its hybrid and electric varieties.

For this Ford truck comparison, we’ll look at key factors that affect ownership. If you can’t get answers to your biggest questions here, your next stop is a truck expert at your Rodeo Ford dealer.

1. Light Duty vs Super Duty

   With the high tow ratings found on Ford F150s today, it can be hard to know where to draw the line between light duty and super duty capability. Still, a shopper needs to know which option is actually best for their particular business needs or personal use.

   Furthermore, a 2023 Ford F250 shopper is likely to look at Ford's popular light duty choice. It helps to know the difference. .

   Sitting side by side, Super Duty trucks will appear bigger, longer and taller. That’s saying a lot since an F150 is a brawny full size truck. You will sometimes hear this truck referred to as a half-ton vehicle while the Super Duty would be called a three-quarter ton vehicle.

   The 2023 Ford F-250 and 2023 Ford F-350 aren’t necessarily stronger because of their greater height or length. They are stronger because their core (and much more) has been reinforced for the purpose of hard work.

2. Will the Truck Fit in My Garage?

   It’s logical to be wondering if a truck will fit in your garage, and you are right if you are thinking that there may be differences within the 2023 Ford F Series. Here’s what you should know.

   At its longest, the F-150 is 250.5 inches. That’s 16 inches less than the F250’s longest at 266 inches. At its tallest, the light duty Ford pickup is 77.3 inches while the 2023 Ford Super Duty truck is 81.5 inches.

3. Trim Levels and Technology

   Not too long ago, Super Duty trucks didn’t have nearly as many trim levels, amenities or technologies as Light Duty trucks. However, Ford has changed that. There are many trims for Ford F250s and F350s.

   A shopper can get Ford’s technologies and amenities on the F-250 and F-350 in much the same way they would on the F-150. Sync touchscreens and a Wi Fi hotspot bring connectivity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto increase what the system can do. Built-in navigation directs you to the new jobsite, and so forth.

   Style is emphasized with special looks like the King Ranch and special materials like leather and wood. Driver aids, which are plentiful on the F-150, are now being offered on the Super Duty lineup.

   Best of all, the many towing technologies that have originated on the F-150 are now available on Ford Super Duty trucks. This includes tech that can help you hook up a trailer, watch the trailer’s blind side, or park the tandem trailer. Then there’s trailer navigation to help you plot the best and safest course for heavy tows.

4. What is the Tow Rating and Cargo Capacity?

   The light duty Ford can handle up to 14,000 pounds, but there are some models with tow ratings under 10,000 pounds. One best-in-class payload is 3,310 lbs, but other models will have different numbers.

   Super Duty trucks can improve on those numbers. The 2023 F350 Supercab with the regular bed may be able to handle 4,610 lbs. With its extra tires for more strength, the F350 DRW may handle 7,200 pounds in its 8-foot bed.

   

   Super Duty trucks can tow 22,000, 23,000, or 24,000 pounds. For that matter, if you step up to a gooseneck and a DRW configuration, you can push those numbers into the 30,000-40,000 range.

   Our staff can give you more information about individual truck configurations, capability, and pricing. We’ve got the financing options you need.

5. Which Ford Truck Has the Biggest Bed?

   When looking at the 2023 Ford F150 vs 2023 Ford F250, you should know that bed sizes are different, but all are maximized for space. For starters, the F150 short bed measures 5.5 feet and has a practical length of 67.1 inches.

   The middle bed measures 6.5 feet with a practical length of 78.9 inches. Super Duty 6.75-foot beds have a practical length of 81.9 inches. Cargo space is rated at 65.4 cu ft.

   

   The large 8-foot F150 bed has a practical length of 97.6 inches. F Series Super Duty trucks have 8-foot beds with a practical length of 98.1 inches. This pickup truck has a cargo space of 78.5 cu ft, which is slightly higher than the F150’s 77.4 cu ft.

6. How Much Power Do I Need?

   How much power does a truck need to do its job? There are many answers to that question when it comes to the Ford F Series Super Duty and Light Duty lineup..

   For the best payload and towing, there needs to be a combination of engine capability and physical truck strength. That’s why Ford F150 ratings can edge up to the Ford F250 ratings, but the heavy duty truck bodies can do more if they have the horsepower and torque to do it.

   Many Ford trucks have best-in-class horsepower or torque. This indicates that they can do more than their competitors with the same engine and body type. And that fact is what’s behind the saying Built Ford Tough.

   Ford F150s are praised for their remarkable 10-speed automatic transmission and fleet-wide fuel economy. Ecoboost engines really do make a difference. Ford Super Dutys are praised for their gas engine capability and for their diesel engine prowess. The new 1,200 lb-ft torque rate is an example of how the Ford Motor Company is pushing against the status quo.

   

   For driving fun, some F150s have high horsepower and even higher torque rates. This doesn’t necessarily translate into the highest payload and towing capacity.

   Thus the Raptor R has more horsepower than any F150, F150 Lightning, or Super Duty, but that doesn’t make it the top one for towing. It definitely means it can do the 0-60 mph very, very fast!

   For off-roading, the more power you have, the better the truck can handle obstacles. That’s another reason that the Raptor and Raptor R have more power.

   Last but not least, the Ford F150 Lightning has the best reflexes of the bunch. That’s because its electric powertrain allows for faster take-offs. The high rate of torque is easily engaged with a tap of the accelerator.

Conclusion

Whether for pleasure or business, Ford Light Duty and Super Duty trucks offer you the choices you need. If you have questions about any Ford truck, please reach out to our staff.

Schedule a test drive of the F150, F250 or F350 at your Rodeo Ford dealer.

REVIEWS

”The 2023 Ford F-150 has widespread appeal, whether you're looking for a workhorse, an upscale everyday family vehicle or an off-road adventurer. This truck can basically do it all.”

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”The incredible 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty Truck gets upgrades for increased performance, safety and security.”

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Ford recently took the wraps off the 2023 Super Duty pickup trucks, revealing a fresh design with a squared-off face and bold grilles, as well as upgraded interiors with an available 12.0-inch touchscreen.

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